Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has a growing lump on her face. Is it serious and what to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Poodle | Female | spayed | 45 lbs

Hi, I'm pet sitting for a poodle and she has a lump on her face that's seemingly getting bigger. I'm worried about her.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on December 17th, 2017

Hi there. There are many possibilities with a swelling like that. However, in that specific location I would be highly suspicious of a tooth root abscess. If you lift the lip and look at the tooth, often you can see abnormalities. Also if you apply gentle pressure to the lump you may see pus drain out over the tooth. Of course abscesses from other causes as well at tumor can not be ruled out at this time. Please have Gingi seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Britni Miller, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 11th, 2017
Poor Maggie! It looks like she may have a tooth root abscess. In these cases, the tooth needs to be removed and she needs to be on antibiotics or the infection will continue to occur. I would recommend getting a second opinion. If it is a tooth root abscess, she will need to undergo a dental procedure with anesthesia so that x-rays can be taken, and the proper tooth removed. If it is thought that she has a tumor, simply applying Neosporin will not resolve the situation and proper removal of the mass should be discussed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on August 21st, 2019
A lump in this area is commonly caused by an infected tooth root. Sophie should get checked out by the vet. If they think that it is a tooth, the tooth needs to be removed. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories will help for a couple weeks, but it won't cure the problem and it will return.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My 15-year-old dog has a soft lump under her eye. Is it serious?

If you are talking about the swelling underneath the eye I would be concerned about a toothroot abscess. When they have an infection in one of their teeth they can present like this. I would highly recommend bringing Sweety to a veterinarian. If you are talking about the growth on her eye this would need to be surgically removed if it is causing Sweety some discomfort. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a rapidly growing lump on its face. What should I do?

Hello, my name is Dr. Elizabeth and I am concerned about this growth. Given the history of getting bigger quickly, and the location on Reese's face, I'm worried this is a tooth root abscess: https://www.petcoach.co/article/4th-premolar-carnassial-tooth-infections/ It could also be another type of infection or something like a cancerous Mast Cell Tumor which can also change very quickly. It is unlikely to be a big bite or sting because those should get big initially and then shrink over a few hours. Not the other way around. I recommend to get Reese into the veterinarian tomorrow morning. They'll get a better idea what this is from a physical exam. Soak her food warm water until it softens. Make her food and water room temperature. Take away any chew toys to avoid any further potential trauma. I hope this helps and that things get figured out quickly!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my dog's face keep swelling on one side and getting bigger?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Based on the swelling's location, this is possibly due to a tooth root abscess. This is something your veterinarian could check for on an examination and treat if confirmed. This is something that is treated with local therapy including drainage, debridement and antibiotics. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 11-year-old dog has a mouth lump pushing a tooth. What to do?

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for the pictures I see what you are worried about. Possible causes of the mass are: a benign over growth of gum tissue, an epulis, or cancerous growths. Some epulids are: Fibromatous, ossifying, and acanthomatous. Acanthomatous epuli, in particular, are highly invasive to the bone and are usually located on the front part of the lower jaw. It is sadly impossible to tell from just looking at the mass to say what it could be. I recommend you make an appointment with your Vet. Lucky will have to go under anesthesia, have dental X-rays taken of the area and the mass biopsied or removed, if able. I hope this helps! I wish Lucky the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a small pink growth on her face. Is it serious?

It looks like it could be a benign growth, but without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give her vet a call to make her an appointment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a swollen, red bump under her chin. Is it a tooth abscess?

Thank you for providing a picture of Pickles and her bump! It is quite large in the picture, and it could be a tooth root abscess. It could also be an enlarged lymph node, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. This is definitely something that needs to be checked out by a vet. It looks very swollen and it likely bothers her. The vet will be the one to diagnose what is causing the bump and the best treatment for it. I would take her into the vet first thing Monday morning. Tonight, I'd recommend feeding some canned food to her just in case it is dental problem and it hurts for her to chew dry food. You could also soak her dry food in warm water to soften it up. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Dog has a new lump under jaw. Is it urgent or can I wait for vet?

This could be a tooth root abscess or a swelling from an insect bite or a salivary gland problem. Unless you think this is very painful, there is really nothing you can or need to do. If Chelsea appears in a lot of pain you may want to take her to a vet tonight, but if she is comfortable, then there is nothing you need to do.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share